We can all agree that Indian cooking is incomplete without its spices. From red chilli to coriander, cardamom to turmeric – there are so many spices that are essential for Indian food. Turmeric or Haldi is one such spice that has gained the status of a miracle food or ‘superfood’ in the recent past. A natural healer, turmeric is loaded with antioxidants and health-benefitting properties. It is popularly consumed to boost immunity and keep seasonal infections at bay. Usually, turmeric is consumed as a powdered spice that we purchase in the packet form. Powdered haldi is readily available at our local markets and supermarket. However, have you heard of a special variety of this spice known as Lakadong Turmeric?

Lakadong Turmeric or ‘U Chyrmit Lakadong’ is a special spice that hails from the North-Eastern state of Meghalaya. The name of this variety comes from its area of origin – the Lakadong valley area in Jaintia hills in the state. It is also known as one of the world’s finest turmeric and was exported in large quantities in the year 2021 to countries such as the Netherlands and the UK, according to reports.

The healing properties of turmeric are credited to the presence of a compound called ‘Curcumin’. Lakadong turmeric is said to have a Curcumin concentration that is much higher than the usual turmeric – about 7%. This means that it more potent and offers more health benefits than our regular Haldi. It is available at Meghalaya’s state emporium stores across the country, such as ‘The Meghalayan Age’ in Delhi.

(Also Read: Does Cooking Turmeric Destroy Its Benefits? Here’s The Answer!)

Lakadong farmers practice the traditional methods of farming and do not use any fertilisers or pesticides while cultivating this Lakadong Turmeric. Thus, the turmeric is pure and organic. The black alluvial soil used for its cultivation is so fertile, that it does not require any additional chemicals. Sufficient rainfall and a painstaking harvest process yields this amazing spice that is dried, sorted and packed to be processed further.

About Aditi AhujaAditi loves talking to and meeting like-minded foodies (especially the kind who like veg momos). Plus points if you get her bad jokes and sitcom references, or if you recommend a new place to eat at.